5 Things We’ve Learned About the Western Conference in 40 Games

Jan 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators players celebrate after a win against the Carolina Hurricanes at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Nashville is for Real.

If the Kings most recent game wasn’t an indication, perhaps the rest of their stats will prove convincing.

Nashville is 26-9-4 for 56 points.  The Predators haven’t played 40 games yet, but they haven’t lost 10 games yet either.  The Predators have only lost a combined 13 games.

Nashville’s worst loss came at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who shut the Predators out 3-0.  Nashville’s had four losses by two goals.  Every other loss has been a one goal game.

At this point in the season the Predators are at the front of the line at the Hardware Store.

Perhaps the best rookie in the NHL wears the Predator sweater: Filip Forsberg.  Forsberg leads the Predators in goals, points, and plus/minus.  In 39 games Forsberg has 14 goals, 38 points, and a +23 rating.  That includes 3 power-play goals and 4 Game Winning Goals.

Dec 2, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg (9) skates with puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Nashville Predators 2-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Forsberg leads all rookies in the NHL in the same categories: goals, points, and plus/minus.  The next closest player in points, the Calgary Flames Johnny Gaudreau, has one less goal, and 7 fewer points.

Shea Weber has been mentioned as a front-runner for the Norris Trophy.  Weber has been nominated to the final three, three times.  Despite playing the best season of his career last year, the Norris Trophy remains elusive.  This year might be the year.

Weber has 8 goals, 26 points and a +13 rating in 39 games.  Weber currently ranks 8th in points, and 5th in plus/minus in the NHL.

Goaltender Pekka Rinne has not only been mentioned for the Vezina Trophy, but his name has been thrown around as a possible Hart candidate.

Rinne returned this season after missing most of last year with a hip injury.  Rinne’s injury limited him to 24 games last season.

Rinne’s started 34 games this season, has 26 wins, a 2.00 goals against average (GAA), and a .929 save percentage (SV%).  Rinne’s 1st in wins, 3rd in GAA, and 4th in SV% in the NHL.

At 40 games this isn’t a fluke.  It’s not a hot streak.  It’s a shot across the bow of the West.  Be wary of the Nashville Predators.